It's the early 2000’s and no one would have guessed (anglo) artists Snoop Dogg, Beyonce or even Madonna would be teaming up with latino artists to drop a spanglish reggaeton track. Two decades later and the genre has overcome language barriers and gained mainstream recognition; finally it’s all about spanish-language hip-hop.
Although some of the biggest (and earliest) names in today's reggaeton sounds come from Puerto Rico and other Latin American/caribbean countries - Colombia, Panama & Dominican Republic - spanish lands are they too stepping up the game.
Making waves in the spanish rap scene is Daniel Heredia Vidal, aka Rels B also known as Skinny Flakk. Born in 1993 on the Balearic Island of Palma de Mallorca, this rapper, songwriter and producer has been building his fan base as an indie artist since his teenage years. Using no other than his social media and music sharing platforms such as Youtube and Soundcloud, he has rapidly become one of the most promising urban artists in spanish-speaking territories.
Although he started his musical journey producing and mixing, he then joined forces with fellow spanish producers Itchy & Buco sounds before going on to release his debut EP Change or die in 2014. Little did he know he was on the rise to becoming a globally charting artist.
From trap and reggaeton to latin soul and rock&roll, Rels B’s mellow lyrical structure resembles that of hip hop.
His first full-length album Player Hater was released on his birthday in October 17, 2015 and a year later came his second album Boys Don't Cry (2016). Some of his most popular tracks (all of which have received views in their millions) include Made in Taiwan, Re-member and Mary Jane. For Rels B visuals are equally as important; his clean, clever and creative narrative is also depicted in his videoclips.
In 2017, he decided to release a compilation album Inéditas (Unreleased) and the following year he dropped his third studio album Flakk Daniel's LP (2018) which delivered a few charting hits "Lejos de Ti" and "Es Mejor."
Often based on personal life experiences, his “real raw” lyrics have managed to captivate a continuously increasing audience. His ability to fuse R&B (effortlessly) with spanish hip hop, have seen him conquer spanish and Latin American markets, where he's already toured several times in cities across Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador and Uruguay.
Last year his relentless work ethic saw him launch a number of singles including the smooth and sensual A Mi, which became an ultimate favourite with over 74 million views on Youtube.
He celebrated the release of his fifth and latest LP Happy Birthday Flakko in October (2019) which charted in seven Latin American countries and his homeland of course, by announcing his new record deal with Sony Music Spain Entertainment. His single BALADITA 2000’s (SIN MIRAR LAS SEÑALES) has reached over 14 million views, since its release date back in November, 2019.
Now, certified with more than six platinum discs and dozens of gold records thanks to singles like COMO TE VA QUERIDA?, Es Mejor and Lejos de Ti, the 26-year-old continues to remain true to his style; street smart with a laid-back flow.
